With Gearing Between Electric Motor And Drive Wheel Patents (Class 180/65.6)
  • Patent number: 8025116
    Abstract: A wheel hub drive with drive motor and drive gear system for industrial trucks, with the following features: driving and output axis of the drive gear system, rotation axis of the wheel and driving axis of the drive motor are disposed coaxially; the drive gear system is a single step or multi step planetary stepping gear system or a two or more step planetary coupler mechanism gear system, two horizontally spaced wheel bearings are located inside the drive gear system, wherein, a first wheel bearing is disposed between a first bearing portion, connected with the wheel hub, and a frame-fixed planet carrier, and a second wheel bearing is disposed between the first bearing portion and a frame-fixed second bearing portion or the frame-fixed planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Rogg
  • Patent number: 8020654
    Abstract: A drivetrain is proposed for a hybrid motor vehicle, which comprises an electric machine arranged between the vehicle's transmission (2) and a differential (8) of a driven axle in order to drive the axle via a Cardan shaft (7) or another shaft capable of torque transfer in which a transmission (10) made as a reducing gear system is arranged in the force flow direction behind the electric machine in order to produce the necessary speeds and torques and transfer them to the Cardan shaft or to the other shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Muller, Markus Hoher, Linus Eschenbeck
  • Patent number: 8011464
    Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and axles which are selectively rotatable by the motor, a reduction gear set, a differential transferring torque from the motor to the axles, and selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assemblies. The SOWC assemblies are connected to a different one of the axles, and are engaged to transfer torque to the drive axles whenever the motor is energized. The SOWC assemblies are disengaged when the motor is de-energized to prevent rotation of the rotor and various elements of the reduction gear set and differential. A method minimizes parasitic spin losses in an electric rear drive motor (eRDM) system. The method includes engaging a pair of SOWC assemblies when the motor is on to transfer torque from the motor to the axles, and disengaging the SOWC assemblies when the motor is off to prevent rotation of a rotor and of elements of the reduction gear set and differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Joel M. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20110209934
    Abstract: A chassis (1) for a motor vehicle has an electrical axle (2) with two electrical machines (4) for respectively driving two wheels (6). The chassis (1) also has a step-down gear mechanism (10, 11) arranged between the respective electrical machine and the associated wheel. Each step-down gear mechanism is connected to the respective wheel by a cardan shaft. The respective rotation axes (5, 5) of the two electrical machines are arranged parallel and next to one another. The chassis enables each wheel to be mounted in a non-rigid manner and permits the overall length of the electrical machines to be varied on account of the arrangement of the rotation axes of the electrical machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Daniel Armbruster, Stephan Hennings
  • Patent number: 8006790
    Abstract: In response to a driver's braking request operation, for example, the driver's depression of a brake pedal 85, a hybrid vehicle 20 sets a fraction of a regenerative braking torque by a motor MG2 and a fraction of a braking torque by a brake unit 90 relative to a preset braking torque demand Tr* according to the setting of a speed change ratio in a transmission 60 (steps S280, S290, S310, S320, S390, and S400). The hybrid vehicle 20 controls the motor MG2 to output the regenerative braking torque based on the preset braking torque demand Tr* and the set fraction of the regenerative braking torque, while controlling the brake unit 90 to enable the braking torque based on the preset braking force demand Tr* and the regenerative braking torque by the motor MG2 to be applied in a distributive manner at a preset front-rear braking torque distribution ratio ā€˜dā€™ to front wheels 39a and 39b and to rear wheels 39c and 39d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Aw Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kimura, Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Yoichi Tajima, Takeshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 8002062
    Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine, a generator, an electric motor and a power distributing device. The engine drives the generator to generate electric power. The electric motor is driven by the electric power generated by the generator and rotates a drive wheel. The power distributing device distributes the drive power generated by the engine between the generator and the drive wheel. A crankshaft of the engine can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The generator, the motor and the power distributing device are disposed on a shaft, which is different from the crankshaft and extends substantially parallel to the crankshaft. The power of the engine and the drive force of the motor are output from a portion of the shaft through the power distributing device and the rotor of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsushi Saitou
  • Patent number: 8002060
    Abstract: In a rolling bearing 21, a plurality of balls (rolling elements) 124 are arranged in an annular fashion, the balls 124 so arranged are held by inner and outer bearing rings 121, 122, some of the plurality of balls 124 are arranged along a pitch circle having a primary pitch circle diameter D1 so as to form a primary ball row 127, while the remaining of the plurality of balls are arranged along a pitch circle having a secondary pitch circle diameter D2 so as to form a secondary ball row 128, and the secondary pitch circle diameter D2 is made larger than the primary pitch circle diameter D1. The secondary ball row 128 is disposed radially outwards of the primary ball row 127 in such a manner as to overlap thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiro Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20110198138
    Abstract: A drive system for an electric battery powered vehicle including a chassis having a rigid frame, a front axle and a rear axle; a battery system mounted on said chassis; left and right wheels on left and right sides of each of the front axle and the rear axle; one or more motors attached to at least one of the wheels. Each of the one or more motors is driven by rotation of a respective wheel to produce a charge for said battery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ECHO F.U.T.U.R.E INC.
    Inventors: Habib Sadrmajles, Saeid Mohmedi
  • Patent number: 7984777
    Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly is provided. The vehicle drive assembly includes an engine, a transmission operably coupled with the engine, an output shaft operably coupled with the transmission, a differential operably coupled with the output shaft, an axle shaft rotatably coupled to the differential, at least one wheel selectively coupled to the axle shaft via a rotatable axle stub, an electric wheel motor operably coupled to the at least one wheel via the rotatable axle stub, and a coupling device operably coupled with the electric wheel motor for selectively coupling the axle stub with the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Calvin Kim, Jim Hall
  • Patent number: 7980343
    Abstract: Due to a centrifugal force in a vehicle width direction due to turning of an automobile, oil in an electric motor housing chamber housing an electric motor and oil in a transmission housing chamber housing a reduction gear and a differential gear flows to-and-fro via oil communication passages that penetrate a partitioning wall. An opening on the transmission housing chamber side of the oil communication passages is spaced from the partitioning wall. Hence, when oil moves from the transmission housing chamber side to the electric motor housing chamber side, it is possible to prevent the oil quantity on the electric motor housing chamber side from increasing excessively and suppress an increase in resistance to oil stirring by a rotor of the electric motor while retaining a constant oil amount on the transmission housing chamber side to ensure lubricating performance for the reduction gear and the differential gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Mogi
  • Patent number: 7982346
    Abstract: Due to a centrifugal force in a vehicle width direction due to turning of an automobile, oil in an electric motor housing chamber housing an electric motor and oil in a transmission housing chamber housing a reduction gear and a differential gear flows to-and-fro via oil communication passages that penetrate a partitioning wall. An opening on the transmission housing chamber side of the oil communication passages is spaced from the partitioning wall. Hence, when oil moves from the transmission housing chamber side to the electric motor housing chamber side, it is possible to prevent the oil quantity on the electric motor housing chamber side from increasing excessively and suppress an increase in resistance to oil stirring by a rotor of the electric motor while retaining a constant oil amount on the transmission housing chamber side to ensure lubricating performance for the reduction gear and the differential gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Mogi, Tatsuya Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7975789
    Abstract: A wheel assembly with an in-wheel motor includes a motor for driving a wheel, which is arranged in the wheel; a reduction mechanism that reduces the rate of rotational output of the motor and transmits the resultant rotational output to the wheel; an oil tank in which oil collects; an oil pump that is driven by rotational output of the motor; and an oil flow path that leads oil from the oil pump to at least one of the motor and the reduction mechanism. The oil tank is arranged below the reduction mechanism, farther toward a vehicle inside in a vehicle width direction than a brake dust cover, and farther toward the vehicle outside in the vehicle width direction than a lower ball joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Murata
  • Patent number: 7975791
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive control system has a first clutch interposed between an engine and a motor/generator, a transmission including several gear position clutches arranged between the motor/generator and a drive wheel, and a controller. The controller selectively starts the engine using torque from the first clutch during a drive mode change from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive mode. When an engine start command and a gear shifting operation occur during a drive mode change, the controller selects the gear position clutch that is a common engaged clutch from among the engaged gear position clutches constituting the vehicle running gears occurring from immediately before starting the engine until immediately after starting the engine as a second clutch to be controlled. Then, the controller executes a slip control of the second clutch when the first clutch is being connected to start the engine during the drive mode change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Nozaki, Kiminori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7975790
    Abstract: A wheel driving apparatus for a moving apparatus is provided. The wheel driving apparatus includes a wheel, a driving motor to generate a driving power to rotate the wheel, a gear box to transmit the rotational force of the driving motor to the wheel, and a guide shaft movable vertically with respect to the base member, wherein the wheel, the driving motor, the gear box, and the guide shaft are connected integrally with each other to move vertically with respect to the base member in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myeong-ho Kim, Sam-jong Jeung, Jeong-gon Song, Il-du Jung, Ju-sang Lee, Heung-yi Kim, Sam-hyun Choi, Jang-youn Ko, Kyoung-woung Kim, Dae-hyung Kim, Hak-bong Lee, Yoon-kyung Cho
  • Patent number: 7967090
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system includes an engine; at least one rotating electric machine, wherein the engine and the at least one rotating electric machine are capable of driving a vehicle; and a controller. The controller starts a load limit control that limits a load exerted to the rotating electric machine when a temperature of the rotating electric machine exceeds a load limit start temperature; detects a loading state or a towing state of the vehicle; and determines the load limit start temperature based on the loading state or the towing state detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoo Atarashi, Shigeki Takami, Nobukazu Ike, Yuji Iwase, Atsushi Tabata, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Tatsuya Imamura, Takuma Kakinami, Kenta Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 7950483
    Abstract: A wheel assembly with an in-wheel motor, which transmits rotational output of an output shaft of a motor to a wheel via a counter gear, is such that a bearing on a vehicle outside, from among bearings provided on the vehicle inside and the vehicle outside in a vehicle width direction which rotatably support the output shaft of the motor, and a bearing on the vehicle inside, from among bearings provided on the vehicle inside and the vehicle outside in the vehicle width direction which rotatably support a rotating center shaft of the counter gear, are housed inside a main structure portion of a knuckle that defines a load transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Murata
  • Patent number: 7950484
    Abstract: An electrically driven wheel includes a wheel disc and a wheel hub; an in-wheel motor mounted within the wheel disc to drive the wheel disc and the wheel hub or to be driven by the wheel disc and the wheel hub; a brake rotor and a brake caliper suppressing rotation of the wheel disc and the wheel hub while a vehicle is moving; and a parking lock mechanism provided in the in-wheel motor separately from a brake mechanism formed of the brake rotor and the brake caliper. The parking lock mechanism is a band-type brake frictionally engaging a planetary carrier serving as an ā€œoutput portionā€ of a ā€œreduction mechanismā€.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Moriguchi, Michitaka Tsuchida, Ryoji Mizutani, Junichiro Sakurai, Yuki Tojima
  • Patent number: 7946366
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes a rotating electrical machine; a power transmitting gear mechanism; and a case in which the rotating electrical machine and the gear mechanism are housed in series in an axial direction of the rotating electrical machine, wherein a low rigidity region, which is a region of the case having low rigidity located at an outer periphery of the rotating electrical machine, is covered by a silencer supported on a high rigidity region of the case having a higher rigidity than the low rigidity region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seigo Kano, Masashi Kitou, Satoru Kasuya, Satoru Wakuta, Taku Sakai, Masataka Sugiyama, Yumi Iraha, Masatoshi Adachi
  • Publication number: 20110114399
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a traction member associated with the chassis, and a drive system associated with the chassis and the traction member comprising an electric traction motor, a planetary gear assembly coupled to the electric traction motor, the planetary gear assembly comprising an output member coupled to the traction member, wherein rotation of the output member provides a drive torque for the traction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Bradley D. Chamberlin, Larry A. Kubes
  • Patent number: 7938210
    Abstract: An in-the-wheel suspension system including a drive mechanism for coupling the rotational motion of a wheel rim to the drive shaft of an electric motor and for supporting the wheel rim with respect to the vehicle chassis using one or more springs and dampers. In a hubless version, a spring member supports extend between a frame member attached to the chassis and a bearing member that engages with the rim. In a version used with a wheel hub, the hub is supported by an axle and the spring member supports the axle in movable relation to the frame member. A pivoting support arm that is attached to the axel and pivots about a pivot point attached to the frame member at a location spaced from the wheel axis may be used to support the hub. A Peaucellier linkage may be used to support the axle for movement along a straight line vertical path, the linkage being attached to the frame member at two fixed pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Patrik Alwin KĆ¼nzler, Peter Schmitt, Raul-David V. Poblano, Brian Chan, Philip A. Liang, Franco H. Vairani, Axel Kilian, Ryan C Chin, William J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7937195
    Abstract: A system for managing a power source in a vehicle having an engine and an electric machine can set first and second discharge limits for the power source, where the second discharge limit is higher than the first discharge limit. A buffer value can be determined as a function of at least the second discharge limit and an engine-on power requirement. A driver demand for power can be determined, and the engine started when the engine is off and the driver demand for power exceeds the buffer value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shailesh Kozarekar
  • Publication number: 20110094807
    Abstract: One embodiment of an electric drive system includes first and second gear assemblies coupled to a hollow axle tube, and first and second electric motors respectively coupled to the first and second gear assemblies. Further, the electric drive system includes first and second drive axles positioned within the hollow axle tube. The first drive axle includes a first end portion coupled to a first wheel and a second end portion coupled to the first gear assembly. Similarly, the second drive axle includes a first end portion coupled to a second wheel spaced-apart from the first wheel and a second end portion coupled to the second gear assembly. Actuation of the first electric motor rotates the first drive axle and first wheel via the first gear assembly and actuation of the second electric motor rotates the second drive axle and second wheel via the second gear assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Steve Pruitt, Alden Rix
  • Publication number: 20110094806
    Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor assembly having a cartridge housing containing a stator, a rotor, and a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is supported by the cartridge housing. The electric motor assembly is positioned within an axle housing. A reduction unit includes an input member being driven by the rotor shaft and includes an output member driven at a reduced speed relative to the input member. A differential assembly includes an input driven by the output member, a first differential output driving a first output shaft, and a second differential output driving a second output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, Harminder Mann
  • Patent number: 7931103
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an independent suspension for supporting at least first and second wheel ends relative to the vehicle, and a transmission having an input shaft and an auxiliary power output shaft and a respective drive shaft coupled to each wheel end, and an electrical power source, and a variable speed electric motor electrically coupled to the electrical power source and mechanically coupled to the input shaft, where the transmission is configured to apply power from the electric motor to the auxiliary power output shaft dependently or independently of the application of power from the electric motor to the drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Jon J. Morrow, Martin Schimke, Christopher K. Yakes
  • Patent number: 7931100
    Abstract: Auxiliary drive for a trailer such as a caravan. Said drive consists of a drive unit with a gearwheel. Through linear movement of the drive unit relative to the chassis, said gearwheel can be brought into engagement with a ring gear fitted either on the brake drum of a wheel of the vehicle or on an auxiliary part such as a covering drum fitted over said brake drum. The ring gear preferably lies in a plane outside the plane bounded by the inside of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Reich KG
    Inventors: Helmuth Bender, Steffen Bender, Michael Petrus van Schie
  • Patent number: 7921950
    Abstract: A drive train includes an internal combustion engine (ā€œICEā€) coupled to a transmission having a power takeoff port. A transfer device couples an electric motor to the transmission via the port. The electric motor is enabled in a certain configuration to selectively power the drive train during at least certain intervals when the ICE is powered off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Clean Emissions Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Warner Olan Harris
  • Patent number: 7921949
    Abstract: A transaxle (200) operatively connects a first associated rotational connection and a second associated rotational connection with an associated vehicle axle. An electrically-variable transmission includes an engine (108), a first electric machine (110) operatively connected to the engine, second and third electric machines (130 and 132), a first transaxle (126) operatively connecting the engine and second electric machine to an associated vehicle axle (104A), and a second transaxle (128) operatively connecting the first and third electric machines to another associated vehicle axle (104B). A method (300, 400, 500) is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Codrin-Gruie Cantemir, Giorgio Rizzoni, Christopher J. Hubert, Gabriel G. Ursescu, Osvaldo Barbarisi
  • Publication number: 20110061953
    Abstract: A flywheel energy storage system for a vehicle, comprising a first shaft, a second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft and to the vehicle's drivetrain, a flywheel operatively coupled to the first shaft, and a motor operatively coupled to the first shaft and electrically coupled to a power source, the motor being adapted to receive energy from the vehicle's electrical system and the flywheel energy storage system being adapted to transfer energy to the vehicle's drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Charles Gibson, Dolleva Rogers
  • Patent number: 7908063
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to execute synchronous shifting in a powertrain system having multiple torque-generative devices each operable to independently supply motive torque to the transmission device. The exemplary transmission device comprises a two-mode, compound-split, hybrid electro-mechanical transmission. Operation includes operating in an initial fixed gear ratio, operating the transmission in a mode operation, and, operating the transmission in a final fixed gear ratio. The control system reduces reactive torque of a clutch activating the initial gear, and deactivates the first torque-transfer device when the reactive torque is less than a predetermined value. It determines that speed of an input shaft to the transmission is substantially synchronized with a rotational speed of the second torque-transfer device, and actuates the second torque-transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jy-Jen F. Sah
  • Patent number: 7896116
    Abstract: A drive device of a hybrid vehicle includes a motor generator and a motor generator arranged at the back of the motor generator, each rotor having a rotational center axis arranged on the same axis, a power split mechanism arranged on the same axis as a rotational center axis of a crankshaft and between the crankshaft and the motor generator, and a power control unit performing control of the motor generator. The power control unit includes a reactor arranged in a gap portion formed on one side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator and between a lower side surface of the power element substrate, an outer circumferential side surface of the motor generator and an inner side surface of a case, and a capacitor arranged on the other side with respect to the rotational center axis of the motor generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutaka Tatematsu, Ryoji Mizutani, Yasuhiro Endo
  • Publication number: 20110042155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system (10) for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle, preferably a tractor. Said drive system (10) comprises a drive assembly (12) that generates a mechanical torque, a first, second and third electric machine (20, 22, 24, 110), a first mechanical output interface (16) used to drive at least one vehicle rude and a second mechanical output interface (18). An electric machine (20, 22, 24, 110) comprises a rotor (32, 34, 36, 114) which is connected to a shaft (38, 40, 42, 116) in a rotationally fixed manner. A shaft (14) driven by the drive assembly (12) is rotationally connected to the shaft (38) of the first electric machine (20). The second output interface (18) is used to mechanically drive a tool which can be coupled to the utility vehicle. The shaft (40) of the second electric machine (22) and/or the shaft (42) of the third electric machine (24) can be reversibly connected to the first mechanical output interface (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel
  • Patent number: 7891447
    Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels is described. The vehicle includes a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel and corresponding endless center track. A pair of driving wheels are mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. Two independently operated motors are included, each supplying power to only one of the driving wheels. A differential gear set is operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel. The gear set is formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. The gear set also imparts a minimal force to the center track drive wheel when each of the motors are operating to drive the pair of driving wheels in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7886858
    Abstract: An integrated electric motor hub drive 1 that combines an electric motor subassembly (30), a sunless differential planetary gear drive subassembly (20), and a hub bearing assembly (10) together in a coaxial assembly to provide a compact high gear reduction electric hub drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Xiaolan Ai
  • Patent number: 7881834
    Abstract: The present invention essentially concerns a method for a motor vehicle speed ratio shift. Said method uses a power transmission device (1.1) comprising a traction chain consisting of a heat engine (2), a clutch (3), an electrical machine (4), a gearbox (5), and wheels (6). The invention is characterized in that, upon shifting, the heat engine (2) is started before, during or after the torque (CMEL) observable on the shaft (11) of the electrical machine (4) is canceled, by means of a starter system (7) mechanically independent of the electrical machine (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Yvan Le Neindre, Gaetan Rocq, Olivier Boury
  • Publication number: 20110012361
    Abstract: An integrated turbine generator/motor (10) which consists of a housing (20) having a cylindrical body (22) and an eyebolt retaining plate (24) attached to the top surface of the cylindrical body (22). A ring gear (26) is rotatably disposed adjacent to the eyebolt retaining plate (24) and a plurality of turbine blades (28) are joined to turbine blade brackets (30) that are attached onto a peripheral edge of the ring gear (26). A plurality of pinion gears (32) rotatably interface with the ring gear (26) and a plurality of planetary gears (50) are connected beneath and are rotated by the pinion gears (32). When the generator/motor (10) functions as a generator (58) it includes a driven shaft (60) with a sun gear (62) attached, with the generator disposed within the housing. The sun gear (62) is rotated by the planetary gears (50) which create electrical energy from the generator by rotation of the ring gear (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: S. Peter Lee
  • Patent number: 7870917
    Abstract: The invention provides a drive device for electric vehicles which is small-sized, improved in heat radiating characteristics and adapted for use with a drive wheel of reduced diameter, and an electric wheelchair comprising the drive device. The drive device is provided on the inner periphery of each of left and right drive wheels (80), (80) of the electric vehicle and comprises a casing (30) supported at one end thereof by an axle (22) on the electric vehicle, a motor (40) housed in the casing (30) and having a rotating shaft (43) aligned with the axle (22), and a housing (50) rotatably fitted around the casing (30) and rotatable by the rotation of the motor (40). The drive wheel (80) is provided around the outer periphery of the housing (50) and rotatable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Akagi, Takuya Noro, Kazuhiro Tomoshige
  • Patent number: 7866423
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle drive unit assembly which is located near the sides of a vehicle includes a first driving axle shaft, a second driving axle shaft, a first gear box, a second gear box, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor. The first driving axle shaft drives a first wheel hub of the vehicle and the second driving axle shaft drives a second wheel hub. Together the first and second driving axle shafts define an axis of rotation about which the first and second wheel hubs rotate. The first gear set drives the first wheel and the second gear set drives the second wheel. A first electric motor is mounted in an angular relationship relative to the axis of rotation and drives the first gear set. A second electric motor is mounted in an angular relationship relative to the axis of rotation and drives the second gear set. A plurality of electric motors can be used to drive each wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Ruppert, Lawrence Doyle Brill, William Carl Sullivan, Glen E. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7866422
    Abstract: A four-wheel electric vehicle includes wheels having electric hub or geared, series wound induction drive motors mounted on one or more wheels. The vehicle requires no outside power transmission devices, such as differential gears or drive axles, to rotate the wheels. The vehicle includes a vehicle body adapted to accommodate seating for at least one adult person. The vehicle body is composed of several modular panels that may be releasably attached to one another to configure the vehicle for multiple applications. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a golf cart. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a multipurpose utility cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: William F. Peters
  • Patent number: 7861813
    Abstract: A ground contact system for a vehicle. The ground contact system comprises a wheel, a hub carrier, means for driving the wheel using at least one rotary motor secured to the hub carrier, reduction means comprising at least one gearwheel connected to the wheel and at least one pinion connected to the rotary motor, a sliding-bar suspension suspending the wheel from a support connected to the vehicle, and braking means. The braking means comprises a brake disc connected by its periphery to the wheel, and a brake calliper positioned inside the brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Conception et Developpement Michelin S.A.
    Inventors: Rexhep Gashi, Daniel Laurent
  • Patent number: 7863847
    Abstract: A power unit which makes it possible to reduce power transmitted from a prime mover to a driven part via an electrical path, to thereby increase the efficiency of driving the driven part. A first rotating machine of the power unit inputs and outputs energy between a stator and first and second rotors thereof, via magnetic circuits formed by generation of a rotating magnetic field, and the rotating magnetic field, and the rotors rotate while maintaining a linear relation in which respective differences in rotational speed between the rotating magnetic field and the second rotor, and between the second and first rotors are equal. The rotors are mechanically connected to a prime mover and a transmission, respectively. A second rotating machine of the power unit is mechanically connected to a drive part without via the transmission, and electrically connected to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Morita, Tetsurou Hamada
  • Publication number: 20100314184
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Stenberg, Joel M. Notaro, Josh J. Leonard, Stephen G. Crain, Dennis P. Sabourin, Russ G. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20100307846
    Abstract: A work machine includes a front section with a front frame and a first set of ground engaging members, a rear section with a rear frame and a second set of ground engaging members, and at least one pivot joint between the front section and the rear section allowing the front section to pivot with regard to the rear section. One of the front section and the rear section includes a power source, and the other of the front section and the rear section includes at least one electric motor adapted for driving at least one of the ground engaging members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Roland Kvist
  • Patent number: 7845445
    Abstract: An electric drive unit for a vehicle wheel includes an electric motor that powers a planetary drive having a first stage gear set and a second stage gear set. Each of the first and second stage gear sets includes a sun gear that is driven by a motor output shaft. Each of the first and second stage gear sets also includes a plurality of planet gears that are in meshing engagement with a respective one of the sun gears. The first and second stage gear sets share a common ring gear. A planet carrier of the second stage gear set provides driving output to a wheel shaft that drives the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lon Cooper, Wagner Yukio Hirao, Mark C. Smith, Adam Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7841436
    Abstract: The driven front wheel drive assembly includes a drive assembly with a drive frame. The drive frame has a vertical plate that pivots about a steering axis. A gear case with a plate portion and a skirt is clamped to the vertical plate to form a sealed gear case. A helical pinion gear is on a driven motor shaft. A compound gear with a helical gear is in mesh with the helical pinion gear. A first drive pinion gear fixed to the helical pinion gear is in mesh with the first spur gear. A second spur gear is fixed to the drive axle shaft and in mesh with first drive pinion gear. All of the gears are in the gear case rotate about parallel axes. The helical pinion gear and the first drive pinion gear have small pitch diameters to increase torque. The driven axle drives a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Amigo Mobility International
    Inventor: Allen Bussinger
  • Patent number: 7841435
    Abstract: A transmission (1), preferably for a front axle of a floor transport vehicle (100), comprises at least one transmission stage, a drive sprocket (6), a hollow gear (4, 203), and a housing, wherein the drive sprocket (6) and the hollow gear (4, 203) each have a rotation axis, which axes are parallel and disposed offset from each other. A drive wheel (111) is connected in torque-proof fashion with the hollow gear and housing (4, 203) and the drive sprocket (6) is coupled to a drive motor (25). The motor is mounted to the transmission (1) through a flange. Assembly and disassembly of the transmission is simplified by the relatively few component parts of the transmission. Further, vehicle loads are efficiently transferred to the drive wheel by supporting the hollow gear (4, 203) rotatably upon a fixed support element (13) forming a section of the housing, wherein the support element (13) is disposed coaxial with the rotation axis of the hollow gear (4, 203).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kordel Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Raue
  • Publication number: 20100288570
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system and a method of controlling same are provided. The hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine having a fluid lubrication and control system. The hybrid propulsion system also includes an engine oil pump arranged externally with respect to the engine and configured to maintain fluid pressure to the lubrication and control system when the internal combustion engine is shut off. Additionally, the hybrid propulsion system includes a motor/generator and a transmission in operable communication with the internal combustion engine. The transmission includes a transmission oil pump arranged externally with respect to the transmission and configured to maintain fluid pressure to the transmission when the engine is shut off. Furthermore, the hybrid propulsion system includes an auxiliary motor driving the externally arranged engine oil pump and the externally arranged transmission oil pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven A. Tarnowsky, Daniel D. Cottrell, V
  • Patent number: 7832515
    Abstract: A wheelchair having a remote controlled electric drive system so that the user is able to move the wheelchair away or retrieve it without the assistance of another person. The electric drive system includes multiple safety features for precluding hazardous situations that result from accidentally or unintentionally setting the drive system in motion while the wheelchair is occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Barthelt
  • Patent number: 7832514
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid electric motor vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor/generator, a layshaft supporting a first coupler and a second coupler, a first drive path including the layshaft and the first coupler for driveably connecting and disconnecting the engine and the motor/generator, and a second drive path including the layshaft and the second coupler for driveably connecting and disconnecting the engine and an output of the drive unit, the first coupler and the second coupler being operative to connect concurrently the engine, the motor/generator and said output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 7832509
    Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame that is pivotally connected to a tandem drive arrangement. The tandem drive arrangement includes a beam (120) and a first motor (128) having a first stator portion (202) connected to a first end of the beam (120). The first motor (128) also includes a first rotor portion (204) connected to a first drive wheel (118). A load sharing arrangement (412) is associated with the tandem drive arrangement and includes a first collar (414) rotatably disposed around the first stator portion (202) and a second collar (426) rotatably disposed around a portion of the beam (120). A first linkage (424) is pivotally connected between the first and second collars such that the load sharing arrangement (412) balances unbalanced loading in the tandem drive arrangement by transferring the unbalanced loading to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Norval P. Thomson, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel Sergison, John V. Mount
  • Patent number: 7832510
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle of the invention has an engine, a planetary gear unit including a carrier linked with rankshaft of the engine and a ring gear linked with a drive shaft, a motor MG1 inputting and outputting power to and from a sun gear of the planetary gear unit, and a motor MG2 inputting and outputting power to and from the drive shaft. During a drive of the hybrid vehicle in a light load state and under a drive restriction of the motor MG2, the hybrid vehicle corrects a target revolution speed Ne* of the engine to make a calculated average charge-discharge electric power Wbave of a battery equal to a charge-discharge electric power demand Wb*, while keeping a torque of the engine unchanged (steps S300 to S330), and controls actuation of the engine and the motors MG1 and MG2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoshiba, Mitsuhiro Nada